Monday, December 31, 2012

I made an early start on my 2013 to do list by braving the cold and auditioning a new lease horse this morning.

Regal Revenue is a fifteen year old Arabian gelding who lives at a large boarding stable just five miles from my home. Although not a fancy show barn, this stable has some enticing amenities--in particular, an indoor ring and access to good trails.

Because Rev/Ralphie's owner is recovering from shoulder surgery, he has not been in consistent work for several months. That, combined with the extremely cold weather, made for a very--how can I put this nicely?--spirited ride. It wasn't pretty, but it was fun. I suspect it would be even more fun in better circumstances.

There are a lot of upsides to leasing this horse. He's ideally located, he's been leased before, without drama, and he has a really cute face.

On the minus side, he's an Arab, and I am really not an Arab person. Also, he's a gelding, and I much prefer mares. And, um, that neck... I am really not loving that neck!

So, I just don't know. I keep reminding myself that a lease horse is not a forever horse.I don't have to be in love with a lease horse. In fact, it's probably better if I'm not. In any event, I don't have to decide today. I'm heading back tomorrow for another look. Wish me luck (and clarity!).

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Saturday, December 29, 2012

When I was a kid, one of my favorite nonfiction horse books was Patricia Jacobson and Marcia Hayes' A Horse Around the House.

The cover describes this as "The Horse-lover's Guide to Selecting,

Caring for,

Housing,

Educating,

Enjoying,

and Getting Along with Every Kind of Horse Anywhere at Minimum Cost."

That might be overselling, but there's no doubt this book combines a lot of solid, practical information with Pat Kelly's delightful illustrations. Even after all these years, I am happy to have it on my shelf. My best friend, Carol, recently moved into a new house with all new--and still kind of empty--shelves. Last night the boys and I joined her for dinner.

We didn't arrive empty handed. We brought housewarming gifts...

for both Nate...

and Carol.

Carol is not a horse person, per se, but I think she was pleased with her gift.

Although I keep saying that I need to stop buying unpainted resins, a few of those found their way to my shelves as well. These future herd members are Jitterbug, Affinity, Bint Soraya, Rose Reiner, Brigid and Wild Heather.